Harem King's Collection: Turning Beastkins Into Desperate Wives!-Chapter 74: Forbidden Magic

Aster buried his face into her warm spot, and let himself cry into his wolf’s bosom once more in his potent frustration. Stahl truly understood that pain and anger... she had asked herself the same question many times.

As her mate caved beneath his sorrow, Stahl spoke in a whisper, finally telling Aster what she had avoided really talking about with anyone for over two years.

"When my brother Silbern was killed, I asked the gods the same thing. The moment I felt that jolt through my bloodskill, I asked why they would take the next great leader of our pack and leave me...

"That loss split my family in two Aster... We’ve never been the same. I haven’t even seen my mother or my younger brother since then... My older sister visited briefly a while back, but I could tell, being back at our home estate was too hard for her. We all carry so much guilt for what that demon took from us that day... My father more than anyone."

Stahl stopped for a moment to trail off, allowing the painful emotions she had kept buried to surface once more beneath the moon.

Aster kept his head low but listened to his mate carefully. Stahl solemnly picked back up a moment later.

"It took me a long time, but I finally realized something, my love. We don’t know our reasons for being here. We may think we have an idea, and we may have goals and aspirations, but we never know why we get to stay, and others have to leave, even when we would trade places with them if we could...

"As a cub, I always imagined Silbern would grow up and be the head of our house. I thought that was his destiny, not to be slain by a demon’s arrow... But you know, if all of that bad stuff wouldn’t have happened, I wouldn’t have ever joined The Selection to stay close to my father. I wouldn’t be here to hold you like this..."

The she-wolf shifted uncomfortably, hoping she was making the point she wanted to.

"Aster, you may not see it, but I am so grateful the gods spared you, because that has brought you here to me. I do not know why your family was taken from you, but know this...

"You are always a part of my family. Whether it’s as Aster Venatus, Solis Aureus, or whatever other name you may discover, you will always have a place with me as an Aschefell.

"I will always be your wolf, my king. You will always find your family with me... And the thing is, families may grow smaller through loss, but they may grow larger through love. I only pray that I get to see what kind of family our love may create someday."

Stahl gave the human a gentle squeeze and a light kiss on the head, making the bristles of the shaved skin tickle at her snout.

Aster snuggled just a bit closer to her at that moment. Stahl always knew how to make him feel better, even when she was dealing with her own problems. He hated having to rely on her strength so much, especially on a full moon, but was happy he had such a shoulder to vent on.

The two got to enjoy their time alone for another ten minutes or so, until a knock at the door drew their attention from each other.

A moment later, and Mollis opened the door with a troubled expression. She stared at the two for a moment before dropping her gaze and speaking quietly.

"Aster... I’m sorry about this, but we need to talk. I need to ask you some things, and I need to know some answers. I can’t afford to put it off any longer after what I read back there."

The human just turned to the beast with an inquisitive, puzzled expression. The rabbit didn’t elaborate any further. It was Stahl who spoke next.

"If you’re trying to make a move, it’s probably not the best timing, you know."

She had meant it as a usual tease for the rabbit, but Mollis didn’t even react. This was serious. Stahl read the rabbit’s expression a bit better and decided she should hear what she had to say. The way Mollis finally looked at Stahl gave her chills.

"I need you to understand... I’m committing treason by withholding this information from our prince right now. This is something as few as possible should know about, for their own safety. Aster should know, but I think you should give us the room, Aschefell."

The she-wolf and human were both stunned, Aster sat up quickly then and simply stared at the rabbit. Mollis wouldn’t lie about something like this. Aster could tell from the look on her face that his friend was actually scared. The human looked to his wolf and nodded.

"I think I need to hear her out, Stahl. Can I just fill you in later? Promise?"

Stahl didn’t really like the idea. Aster had dealt with enough already. He needed a break, not another weight shackled to him, but this was her mate’s choice. She would respect it.

She would trust her human. The she-wolf stood and turned to give Aster a reassuring, quick lick on his cheek before she stepped outside and closed the door, leaving the pair to their business.

Mollis waited a few seconds, mentally mapping out what questions to ask... Where would she even begin? What could she ask to gauge the human’s knowledge of it? She certainly didn’t expect Aster to lay it out for her.

"There’s something wrong with me, isn’t there? The fire from the guidance stone... That letter from my birth father... That darkness is something bad, right? Those flames were something bad, Mollis... And I need you to tell me what exactly that is... Please."

The rabbit took a deep breath in relief. Aster hadn’t known. He wasn’t lying. The rabbit would’ve heard his heart falter if he had. Aster never lied. It was one of the things Mollis liked about him. The human was a bit gullible because of it, but the rabbit thought it was kind of adorable, just like the rest of him. Well... Perhaps not all of him.

The mage answered Aster truthfully as well.

"Honestly, I have no idea what it actually is... But I do know its origin is based in blood magic. This is a human spell... But not one I have any knowledge of. Blood magic has been forbidden since the fall of man, so there are almost no true practitioners left in this age... Tell me, Aster, do you know the laws of our three types of magic? Beast magic, that is?"

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